Appropriate drinks and cups for your baby

The ideal time to begin weaning your little one is around 6 months old. As they begin to eat more solid food, you can start to offer them drinks alongside their meals.Our guide will help you choose the right cup and drinks for your baby.

Which cup should you use for your baby?

Your baby can begin to drink from a cup once they can sit up and hold their head steady – usually around 6 months of age.

Choose an open cup or a free-flow beaker with a spout and no valve. It’s important the beaker has no valve, as this encourages your child to sip, rather than suck – which helps prevent tooth decay and encourages speech development.

Which drinks can you give your baby?

Not all drinks are suitable for babies. Below, we discuss the drinks you can safely give your little one and what’s best to avoid.

Breast milk or formula?

As your baby begins to eat more solid food, the amount of milk they need may begin to decrease. However, you should continue to breastfeed your baby on their demand or offer their formula (500–600 ml) as your baby’s main drink up to the age of 12 months.

Water

Water is the best alternative to breast milk or formula. Tap water is best, as the mineral content of bottled waters may be too high. It’s also important to note that water should be boiled then cooled for babies under 6 months.

Cows’, goats’ and sheep milk

Full-fat cows’, goats’ and sheep milk are not suitable as a main drink until your baby reaches 12 months, because they do not contain the vital nutrients your little one needs. Providing they are pasteurised, all three can be used in cooking from 6 months.

Soya, almond and oat drinks (plant-based milk alternatives)

Unsweetened soya, almond and oat drinks (fortified with calcium) are also suitable from the age of 12 months, but can be used in cooking from 6 months.

Fruit juice and smoothies

These can be offered once your baby is 6 months old. However, it is best to restrict these to mealtimes and always well diluted (1 part juice/smoothie to 10 parts water). Although juices can be a good source of vitamins, they also contain natural sugars and acids – which can contribute to tooth decay.

Drinks to avoid

Unpasteurised milks

Unpasteurised milks should never be given to babies or young children, because they pose a higher risk of food poisoning.

Rice drinks

Children under the age of five should not have rice drinks, as they may contain unsafe levels of environmental arsenic.

Most of these contain added sugars, which contribute to tooth decay – even when diluted. Some may also contain caffeine or other ingredients unsuitable for babies and young children. Special ‘baby’ or herbal drinks also often contain added sugar and are therefore not recommended.

Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee should not be given to babies – especially with meals – as they can reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed from food.

The information on this website is for general information and it is not intended as, nor should it be considered as a substitute for seeing your own GP, midwife or healthcare professional. You are advised to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns or suspect you have a medical problem.